In years past, whenever I've had to go to LISD's Convocation event, I've usually dreaded going, because it's usually long and boring. The superintendent usually makes a speech, some of the administrators make speeches, a school board member or two might have something to say, the teachers of the year have to make speeches, and THEN the GUEST SPEAKER make his or her long speech. And THEN, we had to go to our schools for more workshops and meetings. It usually made for a long dreary day, not the way to kick off the school year.
Tatum's (TISD) convocation was totally different and in the best way possible.
First, the Tatum high school cheerleaders and Eaglettes (I guess that's what they're called-) welcomed us at the door of the Tatum HS Auditorium with a smile and a "How are you doing?" That, of course, was different. Then after convocation started and the superintendent, who was dressed in his best jeans and casual Tatum t-shirt, welcomed us, the cheerleaders, Eaglettes, and drum corps each gave a nice performance. The cheerleaders even led "Back-to-school" cheers. The superintendent, Dr. J. P. Richardson, was definitely NOT like other superintendents I've seen in the past- He was having fun, very down-to-Earth, and told us about his summer in a way we all could relate to. He seems to be very approachable and friendly, and not someone who looks down on others because of his position.
After the performances, the district held numerous drawings for money, jean passes, gift cards, a nice duffel bag, and even a big screen TV. I was really impressed. But what impressed me more was that everyone seemed to be in a GREAT and HAPPY and FUN MOOD, everyone was actually HAVING FUN at Convocation. (Wow) It was the perfect atmosphere to kick off the school year. Shoot, I was ready for the kids to come to the school right then myself.
Then we had our guest speaker, Mrs. Tammy Whitehurst. I tell you, she was the best speaker I've ever heard for a convocation. She was very funny and told some great stories and had all of us laughing. One of the main things she emphasized (and something Tatum emphasizes period) was that we are a TEAM and a FAMILY. We're supposed to laugh, cry, help, support, and love one another just like a real family. And we have to look at the humorous side of things whenever things do go awry and remember we're doing this for the kids. She played music (TV show themes mainly) and for each age group the song represented, they had to stand up and sing and dance to the song. I have no idea what song the younger generation was dancing to, but I know that the 90s song was the "Fresh Prince of Bellaire" theme and the 80s song was "the Jeffersons" theme. Somehow, "It's Not Unusual" and Vanilla Ice's "Ice Ice Baby" got played, and the superintendent did a great impression of the dance. That was probably the highlight of the day (besides many teachers winning $100 each).
Click HERE to play the Jefferson's theme
Anyway, when it was over, we took a group photo, and then we had lunch in the cafeteria prepared by the nice folks who work there. Then we were done for the day!
I should have come here years ago. :-)
Click HERE to play "It's Not Unusual" song
Sights from Convocation:
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